The four entities are partnering to combine their complementary strengths in science, engineering and mission focus to address gaps in microelectronic integrity in three critical areas:

Inherently secure and adaptable hardware and software

Ultra-reliable hardware under extreme conditions

Counterfeit prevention and detection

“The military and industry rely on the security of the microelectronics they use every day whether it is the warfighter on a mission or the patient who has a medical device,” said General Gene Renuart USAF (Ret.), chairman and CEO, Indiana Innovation Institute. “That is why investing in these types of advanced technologies, combined with the deep technical capabilities and expertise of Indiana’s top research universities and NSWC Crane, is of the utmost importance.”

NSWC Crane has been intentional about working with regional stakeholders in the development of a defense innovation ecosystem. The effort makes extensive use of technology transfer (T2) mechanisms to link NSWC Crane’s research and development to innovation ecosystem partner organizations. “This agreement exemplifies our growing innovation ecosystem, made possible by our regional T2 efforts,” said Dr. Brett Seidle, NSWC Crane Technical Director.

The path a new technology faces in evolving from initial idea to useful product or capability often requires multiple transitions and partners. IN3, the region’s new applied research institute, serves a critical role in this technology evolution.

“The state of Indiana has long had a need for applied research activities that bridge the gap between university research and practical implementation and productization of the technology” said Purdue President Mitch Daniels. “This agreement creates the collaborations required to support these product development processes and Purdue is very excited to partner with the Indiana Innovation Institute on this important initiative.”

The relationships formally established under this agreement are a critical source of technology that IN3 is using to build their pipeline, and establishes a critical mass of regional partners dedicated to bringing the next generation of new systems and products to the Department of Defense.

“This agreement highlights Indiana University’s longstanding partnership with NSWC Crane and its developing relationship with the Indiana Innovation Institute,” said Michael McRobbie, president of Indiana University. “It is also emblematic of how IU works to bring its resources to bear to help strengthen national security. This agreement is powerful, in that IU and Purdue will partner with IN3 and Crane in a four way agreement to allow IU, IN3, and its research partners to collaborate on the mutual research and technology of trusted microelectronics.”

The agreement supports a recent $2.3 million contract awarded by IN3 to Purdue University that focuses on developing technologies that address liability, security and anti-counterfeiting in the supply of semiconductors to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Indiana University and the University of Notre Dame are subcontractors on the research contract and the work is in support of NSWC Crane.

The program, called ASSURE (Achieving Scientifically Secured User Reassurance in Electronics), will address vulnerabilities in military electronics, will create a national research center of excellence in trusted and reliable military electronics and will establish partnerships that will drive research, workforce training and economic development in Indiana.

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